What is Sodium as on the Periodic Table? Definition of the Sodium ElementA soft, light, extremely malleable silver-white metallic element that reacts explosively with water, is naturally abundant in combined forms, especially in common salt, and is used in the production of a wide variety of industrially important compounds.

Sodium reacts quickly with water, and also with snow and ice, to produce sodium hydroxide and Hydrogen. Refer to Sodium Reaction for its reaction to Water, Oxygen & Acids. The Atomic Number of this element is 11 and the Element Symbol is Na.

What is Sodium? Origin / Meaning of the name SodiumSodium, referred to as soda by the English, was isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphry Davy through the electrolysis of caustic soda. The symbol of the element is Na which comes for the Latin name for a common sodium compound called natrium (from the Greek 'nítron' a natural salt).

What is Sodium? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Sodium ElementElements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Sodium is classified as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali Metal is a very reactive metal that does not occur freely in nature. Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in theList of Metals. For additional facts and information refer to Sodium Properties.

What is Sodium? Occurrence of the Sodium ElementSodium makes up about 2.6% of the Earth's crustFourth most abundant elementRelatively abundant in stars

Abundances of the element in different environments% in Universe 0.002% % in Sun 0.004% % in Meteorites 0.55% % in Earth's Crust 2.3% % in Oceans 1.1% % in Humans 0.14%

Medical Uses of Sodium - Health and TreatmentsInteresting information is contained in the following table of Medical Uses of Sodium, Health and Treatments. Sodium salts, such as sodium bicarbonate, are widely used in medications.

Medical uses of Sodium - Health and Treatments

Medical Disorders

Medical Symptoms

Uses of Sodium & Treatments

Disorders of the stomach, acid indigestion

Bloating, wind, pain

Sodium salts such as sodium bicarbonate, also known as bicarbonate of soda is used as a gastric antacid and urinary alkalinizer

Sodium as on the Periodic TableCheck out Sodium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Sodium as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Other elements classified as Alkali MetalsAlkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. The other elements contained in this classification are as follows:

Lithium

Potassium

Rubidium

Cesium

Francium

What is Sodium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic TableThe Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of the "Periodic Table" in which Sodium is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Sodium with these fast facts...These articles contain facts and information relating to Sodium and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol, group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.